The first in a planned series of adaptations of John Marsden's young adult novels is an Australian-set drama that tells the story of eight friends who go camping in the bush for the weekend. When they emerge from the wilderness days later, however, their country has been invaded and their lives will never be the same again.
This is the directorial debut of Australian screenwriter Stuart Beattie (Collateral, Australia, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra).
Following in the fine Aussie tradition of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Flirting, The Heartbreak Kid, and ahem, BMX Bandits, Tomorrow is a fantastic little tale of growing up Ocker. Initially starting out as The Breakfast Club in the bush, complete with Aussie teen archetypes – the jock, the religious girl, the rebellious Greek, the townie and the Asian restaurant worker – writer-director Beattie’s film suddenly shifts gears partway through, turning into a cross between Lost, The Tripods, and Pauline Hanson’s worst nightmare.
The Aussie rock and pop potpourri soundtrack (everything from Powderfinger to Missy Higgins) may be a little bit incongruous to the action and the multi-ethnic cast impossibly pretty, but what sets Tomorrow apart is that the characters feel real, whether it’s a nervous phone call to a member of the opposite sex or making near fatal mistakes. While lead actress Caitlin Stasey (Neighbours) is the standout, what is particularly refreshing is Beattie’s desire to keep the focus firmly on the kids and their point-of-view – no cutaway scenes of evil generals plotting in their native tongue here.
The action builds to a fine cliffhanger (Tomorrow is the first of seven books) but only the box office will tell whether Beattie and co. have a Golden Goose like Harry Potter or a Golden Compass.
By James Croot, Flicks.co.nz
Great Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best movie ive ever seen!
Was not expecting much from this movie, but thought it was very well done. Hopefully they continue to make films from the book series!!
was good better than what was on tv that night
Average movie, intended for teens I think. Mike! Bukster is entitled to his/her opinion just like you and me, that's what this page is all about....
Parts of this film are worrying, other parts are clunky, but overall it's a little bit wonderful.
But the film is about immediacy and action, and could almost be described as Summer Bay Goes Guerilla... It's a briskly related adventure, with a good-looking young cast, and Ellie is a forceful heroine who swiftly makes the transition from thinking about the holidays to blowing up bridges...
I didn't completely buy the initial war premise, which impacted on my overall enjoyment throughout, and I found some of the dialogue unnatural and unrealistic. But as a film made for it's teenage fans, it mostly succeeds.
There are some tense highlights and great technical work, including Ben Nott’s high class cinematography
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 2nd Sep 2010.
Release date: September 2nd 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
